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Vietnam veteran Allen Ghimenti knows that dog truly is man's best friend. The 69-year-old Thousand Oaks resident recently procured Jetstar, a Labrador retriever and German shepherd mix, through the Ventura chapter of Pets for Vets after the death of Calie, his dog of 15 years.
"When I go for a walk with her, she pulls me through the hills in the area, which allows me to walk easier," Ghimenti said. "I'm getting tugged by a tugboat."
At night, Ghimenti, who has post-traumatic stress disorder, has flashbacks of battles.
"She has woken me up three times since I've gotten her," Ghimenti said. "I don't know if I was whimpering or what I was doing, but she knew something was wrong and she nudged me in the head with her snout."
It took three months for the Ventura chapter, which was formed in May 2014, to match Ghimenti and Jetstar. It was the chapter's first match.
Mardu and Ron Lydick said they formed the chapter because of their appreciation of both veterans and animal rescues. They said it took time to get the volunteers and trainers on board, as well as the funding: It costs about $1,500 to $2,000 to provide a dog for a veteran.
"That is for adoption fees, shots, veterinary care, microchipping, neutering, as well as a welcome package," Mardu Lydick said.
The welcome package includes all the basics a dog needs -- crate, treats, bed, collar, leash and toys -- so there are no out-of-pocket expenses for the veteran.
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